Consumer Credit Counseling Services? Thumbs up or down?

That depends on your situation. If you can afford your minimums and are just needing lower interest rates that by all means a DMP with CCCS is great. If you are overextended that type of program won't help because you won't be able to afford that payment for that type of program.

Thumbs up for me. I have used them before and they were a Godsend. :)

Thanks mobile0311 and Shazzers. I'm a little confused. From what I read on their site, they state they can lower payments/reduce debt w/credit cards. Is that not the case? I am over my head w/payments, can't afford monthly mins anymore. Haven't fallen behind yet but the bank account is empty and rent is due next week.

They're non-profit and have an excellent reputation. I think the point mobile was making (correct me if I'm wrong) is that some financial situations are simply too bad that even lowered payments aren't low enough. You should at least get a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney if things are bad. The worst that happens is you make an informed decision about a DMP.

Also, check out this FTC page on Dealing With Debt.

This Community also has a Do-It-Yourself section on Debt Management.

Whatever decision you make, make it an informed decision. Good luck in your path to becoming Debt Free!

I am currently in a DMP with CCCS and they have been great! I was $1000's behind in my credit cards and they reduced many of the payments each month although not drastically. I have about $16,000 in debt and I pay $500 per month. It is so nice to be able to answer my phone again and not have collectors calling me. I have been in the plan about 5 months and no calls from collectors anymore! I will have all paid off in 2012. If you can afford the minimum payments on all of your cards but just fell way behind like I did then you are a good candidate for CCCS DMP. You might meet with them and see what they can offer - the consultation is free and they can give you some good advice based on your situation. Good luck!

CCCS doesn't deal with JUST CC's, do they? If I have a few bad debts, that i want to try to Consolidate, can CCCS help me that way? Non-profit? does that mean they 'tack' on a feee to what you ALREADY owe? SHAZZER..you said you used them? tell me you're experience, please.

no, they will put all of your loans into the DMP. I think there are exceptions like house and car pymts. They are non profit and I think you can get free services but maybe you have to make under a certain amount. I pay $25 per month but for me it is worth it to only make one pymt to them and they manage the rest. I still get statements and online account access to CCCS account so I can see what is being paid. many of my accounts have sent me notices that they have moved my account to "current" status which is good :)

Good afternoon. I am a debt analyst in the settlement part of the industry. We can not only lower your payments but also get rid of the interest and penalties and fee and lower your whole unsecured debt amount. Feel free to email me at solicitation not allowed here - Jason

Does CCCS deal with CA's, that are from outstanding PDL's, if their on your credit? I DO have some 'unsecured' items ( bad debt) on my CR. CHEEKLA.....that's all you pay is $25.00 for a payment?